Biological Applications
PV-10 was found to cause an observable response in 60 percent of tumors treated, according to researchers in a phase II melanoma study. Locoregional disease control was observed in 75 percent of patients. Also confirmed was a "bystander effect", previously observed in the phase I trial, whereby untreated lesions responded to treatment as well, potentially due to immune system response. These data were based on the interim results of the first 40 patients treated in an 80 patient study.
Rose Bengal is also used in animal models of ischemic stroke (photothrombotic stroke models) in biomedical research. A bolus of the compound is injected into the venous system. Then the region of interest (e.g., the cerebral cortex) is exposed and illuminated by LASER light of 561 nm. A thrombus is formed in the illuminated blood vessels, causing a stroke in the dependent brain tissue.
Rose bengal has been used for 50 years to diagnose liver and eye cancer. It has also been used as an insecticide.
Rose Bengal is being researched as an agent in creating nano sutures. Wounds are painted on both sides with it and then illuminated with an intense light. This links the tiny collagen fibers together sealing the wound. Healing is faster and the seal reduces chances of infection.
Rose Bengal is used in several microbiological media, including Cooke's Rose Bengal agar, to suppress bacterial growth.
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Famous quotes containing the word biological:
“When human beings have been fascinated by the contemplation of their own hearts, the more intricate biological pattern of the female has become a model for the artist, the mystic, and the saint. When mankind turns instead to what can be done, altered, built, invented, in the outer world, all natural properties of men, animals, or metals become handicaps to be altered rather than clues to be followed.”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)